Home Inspections: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

In New Hampshire’s competitive market, the home inspection is your best opportunity to truly understand the "health" of your investment. Because of our climate and geology, there are unique factors we look for.

The Good: Solid Bones

A "good" inspection doesn't mean the house is perfect; it means the expensive systems are healthy. We want to see a dry basement (no efflorescence or staining), an electrical panel with modern breakers (no Federal Pacific or Sylvania brands), and a roof that isn't curling or losing granules.

The Bad: The "NH Negotiables"

These are common issues in our region that often lead to a request for a credit or repair:

• Radon: Because of our granite bedrock, radon gas (in air) and radon in well water are extremely common. Luckily, mitigation systems are standard and effective.

• Arsenic and Uranium: It is highly recommended to test NH well water for these naturally occurring minerals.

• Chimney Issues: With so many wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, "creosote buildup" or cracked flue tiles are frequent finders.

The Ugly: The Deal-Breakers

These are the "red alerts" that often cause buyers to back out:

• Failed Septic: Many NH homes rely on septic. If the "leach field" has reached the end of its life, you could be looking at a $25,000+ bill.

• Foundation Movement: Vertical cracks are common, but horizontal cracks or bowing walls usually indicate serious hydrostatic pressure or structural failure.

• Pests: Carpenter ants and powderpost beetles love New Hampshire’s damp wood. If there is significant structural rot from these pests, it’s a major project.